In September, Mark Ehleben from PFMA Associate Member FMS Solutions presented a webinar to members on the findings of the Independent Grocers Financial Survey, conducted with cooperation from the National Grocers Association. Included in the results of the survey:

• Regional differences in financial performance are noticeable. The west and southeast regions have reported 2.3 percent and 1.5 percent rises in profitability, respectively. The Midwest and northeast both have reported negative profit losses of 0.3 percent, including 16 percent of sales losses in the Northeast. Much of this was attributed to the regional developments in the wholesale industry.

• The issue with the greatest reported impact on the independent grocer is competition, both in 2014 and 2015/16. Staffing, hiring, and retention rose to the second greatest reported impact, up from third in 2014. The economy, listed as the second greatest reported impact, was not among the top five in 2015/16.

• When discussing competition, the steady rise in Walmart Supercenters, as well as the dramatic spike in smaller "neighborhood markets" were identified as trends.​• Competitive strategies that have risen in SKU in recent years include organics (72 percent), local produce (60 percent), store-prepared meals (58 percent), and private brands (56 percent).

• When benchmarking the best financial performers with the overall response, the best performers are much better at reducing operational shrink managing inventory, reinvesting in the business, keeping debt levels low, and focusing on cost control.PFMA thanks Mr. Ehleben and FMS Solutions for presenting their findings. Those interested in receiving the presentation slide handouts should contact Steve Neidlinger (717-760-5922).

View the PFMA calendar at www.pfma.org for the schedule of our Lunch 'n Learn webinars.